Eligibility Criteria

The 10% EWS reservation is for Economically Weaker Sections among people who are not covered by the existing SC, ST or OBC reservation categories.

In other words, it is not a reservation for one particular caste or community.

Who can fall under EWS?

A person may be eligible for EWS reservation if they:

• Belong to the unreserved/non-SC/ST/OBC category under the applicable rules;
• Meet the prescribed family income limit;
• Meet the prescribed asset/property criteria; and
• Possess the required EWS Income & Asset Certificate.

The constitutional basis is Articles 15(6) and 16(6), introduced through the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.

Simple example

So, EWS is an economic-based reservation category, not a caste/community-based reservation.

Economically Weaker Sections — Central Government Framework

The 10% EWS reservation is intended for citizens belonging to Economically Weaker Sections who are not covered by the existing reservation provisions for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and the classes covered under Articles 15(4) and 16(4). The constitutional basis is Articles 15(6) and 16(6), inserted by the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.

Basic Eligibility

For the Central Government EWS framework, an applicant generally must satisfy all applicable conditions:

1. Not covered by SC/ST/OBC reservation

   The EWS category is intended for economically weaker citizens outside the existing reserved categories covered by the relevant constitutional provisions.

2. Family income below the prescribed limit

   For the Central Government framework, the prescribed annual family gross income limit is ₹8 lakh for the relevant year.

   Income considered includes income from sources such as:

   • Salary
   • Agriculture
   • Business
   • Profession
   • Other sources

   Important: Being below ₹8 lakh alone does not automatically make someone eligible for EWS.

3. Family assets must be within prescribed limits

   The applicant must also satisfy the applicable asset/property criteria. Therefore, an applicant can be ineligible even if family income is below ₹8 lakh if the family owns assets exceeding the prescribed limits.

4. Valid EWS Income & Asset Certificate

   An eligible applicant must obtain the prescribed Income & Asset Certificate from the competent authority for the relevant recruitment/admission process.

Who Does NOT Qualify for EWS?

Generally, a person cannot claim the Central EWS reservation if:

• They are covered by the applicable SC/ST/OBC reservation framework.
• Their family's prescribed annual income is ₹8 lakh or above.
• Their family exceeds any of the prescribed land, residential property or other asset limits.
• They cannot establish eligibility through the required Income & Asset Certificate.

Simple Explanation

EWS reservation is not based on a particular caste or community. It is an economic-based reservation framework for eligible persons outside the existing SC/ST/OBC reservation categories, subject to the prescribed income and asset conditions.

10% EWS Reservation — At a Glance

The constitutional text specifically provides for special provisions for economically weaker sections other than the classes covered by Articles 15(4) and 15(5), and Article 16(6) provides the corresponding basis for reservation in public employment.